Dive Brief:

• The National Labor Relations Board last week issued a ruling to go into effect in April that would speed up union organizing by limiting the actions businesses can take to stall attempts for unions to form and to elect members.

• Businesses have taken to challenging eligibility and other matters in court, halting or slowing many unions’ attempts to organize.

• The rule eliminates the 25 days that had been required between when a union election is ordered and the election itself, and it requires business to give organizers contact information for eligible employees. Businesses will likely appeal.

Dive Insight:

This is a significant change by the NLRB and is seen as the strongest step taken by the Obama administration in favor of unions. Retailers Friday criticized the move as unfair and flawed. Retail workers haven't had much success organizing at businesses like Wal-Mart Stores Inc., where low pay and working conditions are often criticized. Union employees like those at Macy's, by contrast, enjoy higher pay, better benefits, and schedules that allow for vacations, child care, and other pursuits.

“This flawed rule is harmful to both workers and employers,” said Retail Industry Leaders Association VP of government affairs Kelly Kolb in a statement. “By dramatically changing the procedures that govern union elections, the rule limits the information available to employees prior to entering the voting booth, potentially subjects employees to harassment at home and undermines the due process rights of employers.”